Saving babies, together, is the goal of the March of Dimes 32nd Annual WalkAmerica on Saturday, April 27, 2002 beginning at the Alameda County Fairgrounds, Valley Avenue, in Pleasanton.

WalkAmerica is a fun-filled, family-oriented 10K walk around the City of Pleasanton and through Hacienda with a variety of fun activities before and after the walk.

Julie Lenden, communications director, said that this year the March of Dimes is focusing on improving the health of premature babies. "Out of 10,000 babies that are born in California each week, more than 630 are born with low birth weight and 30 die before their first birthday. The March of Dimes funds programs that can help change these statistics. Premature babies are usually born with health problems fighting for lives and many have life-long health problems. A lot of the treatment now being given in the hospital neonatal units is the result of March of Dimes research."

The March of Dimes mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects and infant mortality through programs of research, community services, education and advocacy.

The WalkAmerica registration begins with breakfast snacks at 8:00. The 10K walk begins at 9:00 a.m. Lunch and other goodies will be served after the walk and there will also be great family entertainment.

There are many exciting ways to participate in this Spring event. Walkers raise money through sponsorships. One way is for walkers to invite their friends and families to sponsor them and to participate in the day's festivities.

Another way is for companies to put together corporate teams of walkers. It is a wonderful team-building activity that benefits a cause that everyone cares about, healthy babies. Many companies use WalkAmerica as their company picnic. For more information on putting together a team, go to www.baydimes.org/TeamWalk.htm.

Corporate site or festival sponsorships are greatly appreciated and are another option to help support the March of Dimes.To get additional sponsorship information, go to www.baydimes.org/sponsorship.htm.

Nearly 80 percent of every dollar raised through WalkAmerica goes directly to support the mission of the March of Dimes through research, community programs, education and advocacy directly benefiting the Bay Area community.

Alameda County and Tri-Valley services include programs for early entry to prenatal care services, special programs for medical care and support for adolescent mothers, parenting education, and specialized support services for multiple-birth infants.

For nearly 60 years, the March of Dimes has demonstrated a proven track record of breakthroughs for babies.If you would like more information about WalkAmerica or the March of Dimes, contact Nella Vera, March of Dimes, 1050 Sansome Street, 4th Floor, San Francisco, California 94111 (415) 217-6378 phone or info@modimes.org. Visit the website at www.baydimes.org.